White Ferns strike first in nail-biting T20 opener against West Indies

Stuff – A standout all-round performance from White Ferns wicketkeeper Katey Martin has helped her side to score first blood in their T20 International series against the West Indies.

Summary

A standout all-round performance from White Ferns wicketkeeper Katey Martin has helped her side to score first blood in their T20 International series against the West Indies.

READ MORE: * Shadow Black Caps collapse * Plea to NZC: new balls, please * Astle has the mental edge * Santner out of test series * Queue tension at cricketMartin’s half-century was the mainstay of a White Ferns innings that lost momentum late – with just 12 runs being scored from the final 16 balls.

Needing 22 runs from the last two overs, the West Indies looked to be heading for victory when Stafanie Taylor hit a six off the first ball of the 19th over but White Ferns spinner Leigh Kasperek fought back to claim two wickets in the over and only concede three runs following the six.

The West Indies got off to a flying start thanks to a powerful 53 off just 31 balls from Hayley Matthews before she ran past a ball from Kasperek and a sharp piece of glove work from Martin did the rest.